BA strike could hit Xmas flights

PASSENGERS travelling on British Airways this Christmas could face disruptions as thousands of cabin crew vote on whether to take industrial action.

Air France is also facing possible strike delays next month, with a planned walkout by two pilots' unions.

A ballot of 13,300 BA staff opens next week and is due to close on December 14. Trade union Unite would have to give seven days' notice of a strike, meaning Christmas flights could be hit from December 21.

A union spokesman said: "Unite have called the ballot in response to the company's determination to force through a package of measures including contractual changes without agreement of the cabin crew and their union."

Meanwhile, two Air France unions have announced plans to strike from December 1 to 4 over safety concerns. A decision is expected following a meeting with management this Friday.

The UNPL and SNPNAC unions claim to jointly represent about 20% of the airline's pilots. Air France claims the walkout, if it goes ahead, will not have any effect on flights.

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